CHINA / DIPLOMACY
China refutes G7 foreign ministers’ statement on China’s internal affairs
Published: Dec 13, 2021 08:50 PM
The UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss speaks during a G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Session with Guest Countries and ASEAN Nations on December 12, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Photo: VCG

The UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss speaks during a G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Session with Guest Countries and ASEAN Nations on December 12, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Photo: VCG


 
Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK expressed grave concern and strong opposition to the Chair's Statement issued by the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting on Sunday. The statement said the G7 foreign ministers “discussed a range of issues and challenges, such as the situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, in the East and South China Seas and the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.’’ And they also expressed concern about "coercive economic policies."

Chinese Foreign Minister Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday that the US and the UK should abandon the Cold War mentality, and do something useful to uphold international solidarity and jointly tackle global challenges, rather than divide the world and erect artificial obstacles to solving various problems facing the human society.

The US and the UK account for about 5 percent of the world's population and are the most economically developed and medically advanced countries, yet they account for about 23 percent and 18 percent of global COVID-19 infections and deaths, respectively. We urge countries such as the US and the UK to protect their people's right to life and health, instead of talking about democracy and human rights in the international arena, Wang stressed.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK said on Monday that the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting confused right and wrong on a number of issues, made irresponsible remarks on China and interfered in China’s internal affairs.

The spokesperson emphasized that the affairs relating to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang are purely China’s internal affairs and brook no external interference. No one should underestimate the strong resolve, will and capability of the Chinese people in defending their country’s territorial sovereignty, he said.

 On the East and South China Seas, China remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We stand ready to handle differences properly with the relevant countries through consultation and negotiation, he said. Any interference in the situation of the East and South China Seas by any external force under any pretext would bring unnecessary disruptions to the peace and tranquility in the region and would not be in line with the interests of the countries in the region.

The accusation that China implemented “coercive economic policies” is totally groundless. Speaking of “coercive economic policies”, who imposed economic embargo and blockade on China in the 1950s and 1960s, and who waged trade war against China and mounted pressure and restriction on Chinese companies in recent years? The relevant country should answer these questions first and stop putting the blame on the victim, the spokesperson said. 

The time when G7 monopolized international affairs and bullied other countries at will has long gone. We urge the relevant countries to observe international law and the norms governing international relations with the UN Charter as the basis, and stop discrediting China, interfering in China’s internal affairs and provoking troubles in the relations between China and other countries, the spokesperson noted.

Global Times